The forte piano (literally 'loudsoft') as it was first called, was invented in the early 18th century, but did not become popular until after about 1780, when it displaced the harpsichord as the main keyboard instrument.

Early pianos were rectangular in form, supported by a trestle base, though they were later given detachable screw legs. In the 1830s parlour pianos began to adopt the contemporary upright form, although at first the soundboard cases were very high and the fronts often decorated with pleated silk panels or fretwork.

The earliest known Australian piano, made by John Benham in about 1835, is of this type, and on public exhibition at the Mint Museum in Sydney. From around 1835 upright pianos assumed their modern form. The horizontal 'grand' pianos of course continued to be made, in form really not differing greatly, except in size, to the earlier harpsichords.

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French piano, 19th century

19th Century French Piano

French piano, 19th century

Victorian table top grand piano in rosewood cabinet, Collard &…

Rosewood Collard & Collard Victorian Grand Piano

Victorian table top grand piano in rosewood cabinet, Collard & Collard

Renish piano in walnut

Walnut Renish Piano

Renish piano in walnut

Sorrento piano accordian, with case

Sorrento Accordion with Case

Sorrento piano accordian, with case

A Steinway & Sons upright piano, French polished mahogany case,…

1938 Steinway Upright Piano in Mahogany Finish

A Steinway & Sons upright piano, French polished mahogany case, with ivory and ebony keys, apparently, 1938, having, serial number, 288695. Height 125 cm. Width 153 cm. Depth 69 cm

A fine Bechstein satinwood inlay medium grand piano c1895,…

Bechstein Satinwood Inlay Medium Grand Piano c1895 (21151)

A fine Bechstein satinwood inlay medium grand piano c1895, serial number 21151 (underneath the case) corresponds to that found on the music stand

Five boxes of player piano Rolls. Various American and…

Mixed American and Australian Player Piano Rolls

Five boxes of player piano Rolls. Various American and Australian brands of standard rolls

A baby grand piano, maker Boyd London number 2912, in a…

Boyd London Baby Grand Piano with Stool and Receipt

A baby grand piano, maker Boyd London number 2912, in a mahogany case with matching stool. Original receipt, and is sold on behalf purchaser

A Bluthner ebonised baby grande piano

Elegant Bluthner Baby Grand Piano in Ebony Finish

A Bluthner ebonised baby grande piano

An early 19th century rosewood spinet piano, by John Broadwood…

Rosewood Spinet Piano by Broadwood & Sons, London

An early 19th century rosewood spinet piano, by John Broadwood & Sons, London. The rectangular rosewood case raised on octagonal legs, the interior with freted panels. Height 87 cm. Width 178 cm. Depth 76 cm

Haines Bros. The Marque Ampico: walnut cased tonal player piano…

1927 Marque Ampico Player Piano with Original Accessories

Haines Bros. The Marque Ampico: walnut cased tonal player piano with original sconces, stall and rolls circa 1927. 160 x 80 x 137 cm

An ebonised grand piano, maker C. Bechstein, German, dated 1893,…

1893 German C. Bechstein Grand Piano

An ebonised grand piano, maker C. Bechstein, German, dated 1893, model B Serial number 34452, 102 cm high, 150 cm wide, 200 cm long

Early rosewood cased table piano on fluted legs (Believed to be…

Antique Rosewood Table Piano on Fluted Legs

Early rosewood cased table piano on fluted legs (Believed to be one of the first in Tasmania)

A finely painted baby grand piano by Joseph Gabriel Gaveau…

Fine French Baby Grand Piano by Gaveau

A finely painted baby grand piano by Joseph Gabriel Gaveau French, circa 1890, together with an upholstered stool, approx. 140 cm wide, 140 cm deep. Joseph-Gabriel Gaveau, (1824-1893) was a specialist piano maker based in Paris and renown for art cases…

A J Longman & Co Cheapside London pianoforte, 1802. The square…

Antique Square Pianoforte, London 1802

A J Longman & Co Cheapside London pianoforte, 1802. The square form pale mahogany case with ebony wood stringing throughout, inscribed '1802'

A Feurich baby grand piano in a mahogany case.

Mahogany Baby Grand: Feurich Piano

A Feurich baby grand piano in a mahogany case.

A rectangual piano bench with brown leather upholstery length…

Brown Leather Piano Bench - 75x35 cm

A rectangual piano bench with brown leather upholstery length 75 cm width 35 cm

A Kawai upright piano. Made in Japan. Model: CS5. Number:…

Kawai CS5 Upright Piano from Japan

A Kawai upright piano. Made in Japan. Model: CS5. Number: 1862979

Chinese embroidered piano shawl, with a black silk ground with…

1920s Chinese Embroidered Piano Shawl

Chinese embroidered piano shawl, with a black silk ground with long silk fringing decorated in silk embroidery depicting flowers and butterflies in a bordering design with smaller repeating floral motifs to centre, circa 1920s, size 130 x 135 cm (not…

An Australian upright piano made by Beale, Sydney

Beale's Australian Upright Piano from Sydney

An Australian upright piano made by Beale, Sydney

A Challen baby grand piano

Challen Baby Grand: Elegant and Timeless

A Challen baby grand piano

Steinway & Sons burr walnut upright piano, American with 1878…

Antique Steinway Upright Piano with Tonk & Co. Stool

Steinway & Sons burr walnut upright piano, American with 1878 patent, and a 19th century American beech circular piano stool by Tonk & Co., New York

A Spanish piano music box on cart 106 cm high

Spanish Piano Music Box on Cart

A Spanish piano music box on cart 106 cm high

A burr walnut baby grand piano by R. Lipp & Sohn, Stuttgart,…

Burr Walnut Baby Grand Piano & Seat

A burr walnut baby grand piano by R. Lipp & Sohn, Stuttgart, German, 19th century, together with an upholstered adjustable piano seat. 97 cm high, 144 cm wide, 186 cm deep

A quality modern Beale 6 foot black lacquered grand piano, in…

Beale 6ft Black Grand Piano with Stool

A quality modern Beale 6 foot black lacquered grand piano, in very good all round condition, complete with stool. One Auckland owner since new. 190 cm x 151 cm x 101.5 cm

'Baile' piano accordion

Baile Accordion: Piano Style

'Baile' piano accordion

A Steinway & Sons New York mahogany cased Boudoir Grand Piano.…

1875 Steinway Boudoir Grand Piano in Mahogany

A Steinway & Sons New York mahogany cased Boudoir Grand Piano. Circa 1875. Serial No. 28570

'Richard Lipp and Sohn' baby grand pianoforte with black…

Black Baby Grand Piano with Matching Stool - Excellent Condition

'Richard Lipp and Sohn' baby grand pianoforte with black polished finish and matching adjustable stool, (as new, 3 years old)

R. Lipp & Sohn Concert grand piano in walnut case

Walnut R. Lipp & Sohn Concert Grand Piano

R. Lipp & Sohn Concert grand piano in walnut case

A baby grand piano in a superb burr walnut case by Ernst Raps.…

Ernst Raps Burr Walnut Baby Grand Piano

A baby grand piano in a superb burr walnut case by Ernst Raps. 94 cm high, 136 cm wide, 180 cm deep

A George IV mahogany square parlour piano by John Broadwood &…

George IV Mahogany Parlour Piano by Broadwood & Sons

A George IV mahogany square parlour piano by John Broadwood & Sons, London. Featuring brass inlay and decoration above keyboard. Fluted legs. 87 cm high, 177 cm wide, 72 cm deep

A burr walnut baby grand piano by R. Lipp & Sohn, Stuttgart,…

Burr Walnut Baby Grand Piano by R. Lipp & Sohn

A burr walnut baby grand piano by R. Lipp & Sohn, Stuttgart, German, 19th century. Together with an upholstered adjustable piano seat. 97 cm high, 144 cm wide, 186 cm deep

A Steinbach grand piano. The inside marked Ilse and Steinbach,…

Ilse and Steinbach Grand Piano, 1982 Purchase

A Steinbach grand piano. The inside marked Ilse and Steinbach, 820670. Purchased in 1982.

Antique grand piano, Goldene Medaillen fur Kunst & Wissenschaft,…

Antique Grand Piano in Good Working Order

Antique grand piano, Goldene Medaillen fur Kunst & Wissenschaft, H Kohl, Hamberg, ebonized, good working order

19th century German mahogany mid-size grand piano by Gustav…

Gustav Fiedler-Leipzig Mahogany Grand Piano

19th century German mahogany mid-size grand piano by Gustav Fiedler-Leipzig

A Steinway & Sons mahogany baby grand piano, 1911, with…

Antico's Steinway Baby Grand Piano, 1911

A Steinway & Sons mahogany baby grand piano, 1911, with ebonised and simulated ivory keys, serial no. 151664, 180 cm long. Provenance: The Collection of Sir Tristan and Lady Antico, Sydney

A Steinway & Sons upright grand ebony satin finish piano with…

Steinway & Sons Upright Grand Piano with Jansen Bench

A Steinway & Sons upright grand ebony satin finish piano with Jansen bench. Model K 507143, purchased Allans Melbourne 1990, ticket price $37,500. Has Original receipt and manuals, together with tuning records

Steinway boudoir grand piano, model O, 1917, manufactured in…

1917 Mahogany Steinway Boudoir Grand Piano, Model O

Steinway boudoir grand piano, model O, 1917, manufactured in Hamburg in mahogany case. Number 186659

Vintage Geraldo Italian piano accordion

Geraldo's Vintage Italian Piano Accordion

Vintage Geraldo Italian piano accordion

Georgian mahogany pianoforte, by John Broadwood & Sons, raised…

Georgian Mahogany Pianoforte by John Broadwood & Sons

Georgian mahogany pianoforte, by John Broadwood & Sons, raised on turned legs with brass casters. Provenance: from Mollies Boutique hotel, Auckland

An early 19th century mahogany and rosewood spinet piano case…

Mahogany and Rosewood Spinet Piano with Glazed Doors

An early 19th century mahogany and rosewood spinet piano case fitted with glazed hinged doors.

A baby grand piano by R. Gors and Kallmann, Berlin, accompanied…

R. Gors and Kallmann Baby Grand Piano with Stool

A baby grand piano by R. Gors and Kallmann, Berlin, accompanied by stool

Early 19th century English 'table-top' piano by John Broadwood…

Antique Broadwood & Sons London Piano

Early 19th century English 'table-top' piano by John Broadwood and Sons-London

An Italian Crucianelli piano accordion, in cream lustre plastic…

Cream Crucianelli Piano Accordion, 53cm Width

An Italian Crucianelli piano accordion, in cream lustre plastic with minor loses. Width 53 cm

A mottled red plastic Tientan piano Accordion, some key covers…

Mottled Red Tientan Piano Accordion (Key Covers Missing)

A mottled red plastic Tientan piano Accordion, some key covers missing. Width 51 cm

A mid-sized German Arabella piano accordion, silver grey…

Restoration Project: German Arabella Piano Accordion

A mid-sized German Arabella piano accordion, silver grey plastic, body in need of restoration.

An Italian 'Settimio Soprani' piano Accordion, with silver grey…

Silver Grey Settimio Soprani Piano Accordion

An Italian 'Settimio Soprani' piano Accordion, with silver grey mottled plastic cover. Width 48 cm.

An Edwardian 'Racca Piano Melodica' with card books C. 1910,…

Edwardian Racca Piano Melodica with Card Books

An Edwardian 'Racca Piano Melodica' with card books C. 1910, black lacquer with turned legs and bookshelf, brass castors, working. Dimensions 80 cm x 10 cm x 4 cm.

A mahogany square table pianoforte made by John Broadwood & Son.…

Antique Mahogany Square Pianoforte by John Broadwood & Son

A mahogany square table pianoforte made by John Broadwood & Son., circa 1,800, 83 cm high, 169 cm wide, 62 cm deep

A Karl Weber, Germany, late Victorian burr walnut Upright piano,…

Late Victorian Burr Walnut Upright Piano by Karl Weber

A Karl Weber, Germany, late Victorian burr walnut Upright piano, with steel frame, 131 x 156 x 66 cm

A Yamaha baby grand piano, model number G2, registration number…

Richard Divall's Personal Yamaha Baby Grand Piano (G2)

A Yamaha baby grand piano, model number G2, registration number J3730455, for many years this served as the personal piano of the late Richard Divall

Schiedmayer, piano Forte Fabrik, Stuttgart, burr walnut Upright…

Burr Walnut Upright Piano by Schiedmayer, c. 1900

Schiedmayer, piano Forte Fabrik, Stuttgart, burr walnut Upright piano, c. 1900, with inlaid decoration

Rud Ibach Sohn, grand piano, ebonised case, together with…

Rud Ibach Sohn Grand Piano with Stool

Rud Ibach Sohn, grand piano, ebonised case, together with ebonised piano stool, piano requires tuning (2), height 97 cm width 151 cm depth 167 cm

An ebonised Steinway & Sons concert piano, length of the case…

Ebonised Steinway & Sons Concert Piano (272 cm)

An ebonised Steinway & Sons concert piano, length of the case 272 cm

A Steinway & Sons mahogany cased upright piano, late19th/20th…

Mahogany Steinway Upright Piano - Late 19th/20th Century

A Steinway & Sons mahogany cased upright piano, late19th/20th century, 140 cm high, 156 cm wide, 72 cm deep

A John Brinsmead & Sons burr walnut Upright piano, c.1890, with…

1890 Burr Walnut Upright Piano by Brinsmead & Sons

A John Brinsmead & Sons burr walnut Upright piano, c.1890, with original sconces in overall excellent condition

Angola sanza, large carved hollow Sanza or Thumb piano, height…

Angola Sanza: Carved Thumb Piano, 62cm Height

Angola sanza, large carved hollow Sanza or Thumb piano, height 62 cm

Scandalli piano Accordian having forty-one keys, in a fitted…

Scandalli Piano Accordion with 41 Keys and Case

Scandalli piano Accordian having forty-one keys, in a fitted velvet lined case, width 49 cm

K. Kawai baby grand piano (no. 600) Serial no. 359985

Kawai Baby Grand Piano, Serial No. 359985

K. Kawai baby grand piano (no. 600) Serial no. 359985

A parquetry inlay mahogany square table pianoforte made by John…

Mahogany Parquetry Pianoforte Table by John Broadwood & Son

A parquetry inlay mahogany square table pianoforte made by John Broadwood & Son., 1792, 86 cm high, 159 cm wide, 54 cm wide

1930s Chica Gilbert's Dance Band instruments, comprising of a…

Chica Gilbert's 1930s Dance Band Instruments

1930s Chica Gilbert's Dance Band instruments, comprising of a Leedy Reliance drum kit with accessories, a bongo drum, violin and hand made acoustic guitar (a/f). Chica Gilbert's Dance Band had Charles ('Çhica') Gilbert As Drummer, Jack Ward on Piano and…

John Broadwood & Sons, London, grand piano forte, no. 500, c.…

1832 Broadwood Grand Piano with Inlaid Brass Decoration

John Broadwood & Sons, London, grand piano forte, no. 500, c. 1832, with ivory and ebony sharps, the mahogany case with brass inlaid decoration and carved scrolling leaves, on lobed baluster legs, makers plate engraved 'Makers to their Majesties and the…

Important Pleyel double-manual harpsichord, 1905, property of…

Landowska's Pleyel Harpsichord, 1905

Important Pleyel double-manual harpsichord, 1905, property of Wanda Landowska 1905-7, Serial #22F823. This particular Pleyel was exhibited in the pianoforte Past at Sydney's Queen Street Galleries in the 1970s, and was pictured in the catalogue as item…

A model barrel piano forte, circa 1930, twenty two note format,…

1930 Mahogany Barrel Piano Forte

A model barrel piano forte, circa 1930, twenty two note format, in an upright mahogany case with a brass 'S' formed crank, 93 cm high, 42 cm wide, and 35 cm deep

Baby grand piano Howard black, by Baldwin, length 143 cm depth…

Howard Black Baby Grand Piano by Baldwin - 143x161cm

Baby grand piano Howard black, by Baldwin, length 143 cm depth 161 cm

A fine George III mahogany-cased square piano, John Broadwood &…

George III Mahogany Square Piano by John Broadwood & Son

A fine George III mahogany-cased square piano, John Broadwood & Son, marked 'John Broadwood & Son, London, great Pulteney Street, 1798 Patent', the Neo-Classical case and recessed under-tier raised on tapering share-section supports terminating in brass…

A 19th century walnut upright piano by R. Lipp & Sohn, iron…

19th Century Walnut Upright Piano by R. Lipp & Sohn

A 19th century walnut upright piano by R. Lipp & Sohn, iron framed

Upright piano John Brinsmead & Sons, London. Iron framed 354023…

1885 John Brinsmead & Sons Upright Piano

Upright piano John Brinsmead & Sons, London. Iron framed 354023 - 49757. Circa 1885

A Hohner piano accordion.

Hohner Piano Accordion

A Hohner piano accordion.

A French Empire maple giltwood and gesso concert harp, early…

French Empire Harp by Sebastian Erard, 19th Century

A French Empire maple giltwood and gesso concert harp, early 19th century, by Sebastian Erard, with seven pedals and 42 strings, the brass plate with engraved inscription: 'Erard Freres - Parbrevet Dinvention - Facteurs de forte piano & de Harpes du Roi -…

A collection of books on musical instrument construction and…

Crafting Musical Instruments: Construction and Maintenance

A collection of books on musical instrument construction and Maintenance, including guitar Making, Making musical Instruments, and piano Servicing, building and Retuning

French upright piano, by Aucher Brothers, Paris, circa 1850, in…

Aucher Brothers Burl Walnut Piano, Paris 1850

French upright piano, by Aucher Brothers, Paris, circa 1850, in burl walnut, with folding keyboard, comprising seven octaves, the key board supported by two carved columns, above the keyboard inscribed in cut brass 'Aucher Brothers/ prize Medals/…

English upright piano, by John Watlen & Son, London, 19th…

Antique London Upright Piano by John Watlen & Son

English upright piano, by John Watlen & Son, London, 19th century, the rolled front lid comprising six octaves, supported on two fluted front legs, the upper front panel stretched in an olive green silk, 136.5 cm high, 115.5 cm wide, 52.5 cm deep

English square piano, by John Broadwood and Sons, London, circa…

Broadwood Square Piano in Rosewood and Satinwood

English square piano, by John Broadwood and Sons, London, circa 1820, the rectangular case with rounded edges, in rosewood and satinwood, comprising five and a half octaves and a sustain pedal, decorated with brass fretwork, string inlay to the rounded…

English square piano, by John Broadwood and Son, London,19th…

Antique English Square Piano with Brass Inlay

English square piano, by John Broadwood and Son, London,19th century, rounded rectangular case in mahogany, comprising six octaves and a sustain pedal, decorated in cut brass inlay and fretting, raised on four fluted legs on castors, 86 cm high, 177 cm…

Scottish square piano, by Andrew Rockhead, Edinburgh, circa…

Andrew Rockhead's Scottish Square Piano, 1800

Scottish square piano, by Andrew Rockhead, Edinburgh, circa 1800, the rectangular case in mahogany and satinwood, comprising five octaves, raised on five square tapered legs with spade feet on castors, 86 cm high, 159.5 cm wide, 56.5 cm deep

A William IV rosewood square piano, by Collard & Collard,…

William IV Rosewood Square Piano by Collard & Collard

A William IV rosewood square piano, by Collard & Collard, London, circa 1835, the rounded rectangular case, comprising six and half octaves, fretted decoration, raised on four carved tapered legs, label to interior reads 'Imported and sold by /Joseph…

German Art Nouveau upright piano, by Eckstein Berlin, Berlin,…

Art Nouveau Upright Piano by Eckstein Berlin

German Art Nouveau upright piano, by Eckstein Berlin, Berlin, circa 1900s, in walnut and burr walnut, iron frame, comprising over seven octaves, inset with carved relief Art Nouveau panels, and double brass sconces to the upper front board, 135 cm high,…

Upright piano, stamped R. J. Paling, model number 2, serial…

Antique Rosewood Upright Piano, Melbourne 19th Century

Upright piano, stamped R. J. Paling, model number 2, serial number 5585, Melbourne, 19th century, the rosewood case, comprising a folding keyboard, double brass sconces to the upper front board, the gilded plaque to the inside of the lid reads 'W.H. Glen…

A baby grand piano Steinway & Sons model M, Serial number 271…

Steinway & Sons Baby Grand Piano, 1931 Model M

A baby grand piano Steinway & Sons model M, Serial number 271 194, New York, circa 1931, the cast iron plate bearing the maker mark and serial number. Approximately 275kg 170 cm long, 148 cm wide

Randall Sinnamon, Southern piano bird, circa 2004, mixed media…

Southern Piano Bird

Randall Sinnamon, Southern piano bird, circa 2004, mixed media including piano keys, height 65 cm, ex. Robin Gibson

Baby grand piano faded burr walnut, by Kaps in Dresden, with…

Antique Burr Walnut Baby Grand Piano with Stool

Baby grand piano faded burr walnut, by Kaps in Dresden, with stool, 1878, no. 4142, Resonator piano, height 96 cm, length 190 cm, depth 144 cm

A pair of two branch piano scones, cast brass, 19th century, 27…

19th Century Cast Brass Piano Scones (Pair)

A pair of two branch piano scones, cast brass, 19th century, 27 cm deep

A baby grand piano by makers John Broadwood and Sons, London

John Broadwood and Sons Baby Grand Piano, London

A baby grand piano by makers John Broadwood and Sons, London

An August Forster boudoir grand piano, model 170, with two tone…

Mahogany Boudoir Grand Piano by August Forster

An August Forster boudoir grand piano, model 170, with two tone veneered mahogany finish. Length 170 cm

Yamaha baby grand piano model Gi Nippon Gakki, made in…

Yamaha Baby Grand Piano with Stool - Nippon Gakki

Yamaha baby grand piano model Gi Nippon Gakki, made in Hamamatsu Japan, includes stool, Serial number 1913465, height 100 cm, length 145 cm, depth 160 cm

An important Pleyel double manual revival harpsichord, 1905,…

Landowska's Pleyel Harpsichord, 1905

An important Pleyel double manual revival harpsichord, 1905, France, serial number #22F823, with a marquetry case and lyre post with six pedals, provenance: formerly the property of Polish harpsichord virtuoso Wanda Landowska 1905-1907 and played by her…

Four early 20th century bisque piano bathing beauties, in…

Bisque Piano Bathing Beauties Set

Four early 20th century bisque piano bathing beauties, in various reclining poses. Longest 14 cm.

A mahogany Bechstein grand piano with stool, 1922, serial…

Restored 1922 Bechstein Grand Piano with Stool

A mahogany Bechstein grand piano with stool, 1922, serial number 119679, a fully restored A1 model 182 cm, piano with 85 keys having a lustrous mahogany case and tapering faceted legs, with original paper label, stencilled serial number and trademark…

Baby grand piano by Collard & Collard, c1885 walnut with…

Collard & Collard Walnut Baby Grand Piano

Baby grand piano by Collard & Collard, c1885 walnut with scrolled fretwork design and octagonal tapered legs no 128316 with certificate of authenticity plaque, height 96 cm, width 140 cm, depth 165 cm

Yamaha G1 Mini Grand Piano serial number J3450310

Yamaha G1 Mini Grand Piano - J3450310

Yamaha G1 Mini Grand Piano serial number J3450310

Pair of dragon gargoyle brass piano sconces

Dragon Gargoyle Brass Piano Sconces Pair

Pair of dragon gargoyle brass piano sconces

Lerenelli Bellini III vintage Italian piano accordion in case,…

Vintage Italian Piano Accordion with Case

Lerenelli Bellini III vintage Italian piano accordion in case, mid 20th century

A Berkeley mahogany cased baby grand piano, numbered K105452,…

Berkeley Baby Grand Piano with Stool

A Berkeley mahogany cased baby grand piano, numbered K105452, together with a hardwood piano stool, height 102 cm, length 140 cm, width 139 cm

Steinway & Sons, B-211 Spirio R grand piano, in black finish…

Steinway Spirio R: The Perfect Piano with Revolutionary Technology

Steinway & Sons, B-211 Spirio R grand piano, in black finish complete with two piano stools, 1480 (width)mm x 2110 (length)mm; 354 kilograms weight. Other Notes: Steinway and Sons is the benchmark in the construction of grand pianos of the highest quality…